Making Evidence Useful: The case for new institutions

Download the Making Evidence Useful paper (PDF 288KB)

Over the past few years, there has been much discussion about how we can improve the use of evidence in decision making. This has led to new initiatives, such as the Alliance for Useful Evidence, as well as calls for new institutions and ways of working. These discussions have now led to action. In March 2013 the UK government, the ESRC and the Big lottery Fund, announced plans to create a new network of 'What Works' evidence centres.

This brief paper outlines why these centres are needed, the role they will play, and how they will build upon the work already underway and complement existing institutions.